We are committed to breaking down barriers to participation in paddlesport (both real and perceived) and to celebrating how paddlesport can positively impact on people who face physical, cognitive, behavioural, mental health challenges or disabilities. 

We are looking for people who have lived, first hand experience of overcoming such challenges within paddlesport as a participant, as a coach/leader, as a professional in our sport, or as a volunteer. We are interested in everyday stories that other paddlers who share similar experiences might relate too. We’ve provided some examples below, but don’t be constrained by this… if you have found things difficult, or use paddlesport to positively support your well-being we are sure others will too!

If you have found solutions that help you enjoy your paddlesport activities (at whatever level), that you think might help someone else, and/or have a story to share about how paddling has helped you feel better about your situation we would love to hear from you. We will work together with you to create some media in a suitable format and in a way that you are comfortable with, it can be anonymous if you wish. 

We believe that paddlesport is for all. Please help us showcase this by sharing your stories, helping others find solutions, and to inspire others that if you can do it, so can they. 

Contact us at: equality@canoescotland.org

Physical challenges: 

For example, challenges with: 

• Mobility
• Dexterity
• Stamina
• Vision 
• Hearing problems
• Brain injury

Cognitive challenges:

For example, challenges with:

• Mental tasks
• Memory
• Learning new things
• Concentrating
• Making decisions.

Behavioural challenges:

For example challenges with: 

• Verbal and non-verbal communication;
• Social interactions;
• Sensory sensitivities, (e.g. over or under sensitivity to sight, touch, taste, smell, sound, temperature or pain).

Mental health challenges: 

For example, challenges with: 

• state of low mood;
• feelings of anxiety;
• tension or worry; 
• mood swings; 
• or mental  illness.